On Saturday, Gateway Pet Guardians hosted a Community Pet Day in Jones Park where 100 pets received free rabies and distemper/parvo vaccinations. We host two clinics each year, designed to bring necessary vet care to residents in the Metro East. “There are so many obstacles Metro East residents face when accessing veterinary care, including transportation and cost. Thanks to our clinic, we are able to bring these resources to residents and their pets for free,” said Janet Roberts, Gateway Pet Guardians Volunteer.
Along with free vaccinations, families received free pet portraits, health and training advice, and signed up for free services through the organization’s Spay/Neuter Program. In the months following the clinic, Gateway Pet Guardians will transport pets to and from Carol House Quick Fix Pet Clinic, where they will get free spay/neuter surgeries and microchips.
“Everyone has the right to have the love of a pet, and sometimes you need a few resources to make that happen. We are happy to supply those resources,” said Roberts. In fact, the mission of the Gateway Pet Guardians Community Outreach Program is to arm pet owners in the Metro East with the resources they need to provide their pet(s) with a long, happy and healthy life. The vaccination clinics are just one program designed to accomplish this goal.
To our friends, family, and supporters—we cannot thank you enough for making this day possible. We had over 30 volunteers working stations at the event, ensuring it was a smooth process and the best experience possible. Our veterinary team of Dr. Ed, Dr. Anna, Carrie, and Kitty worked tirelessly to vaccinate each pet and interact with their owners. We also had help from the community—Riley’s Organic Treats and Treats Unleashed both donated goodies that were given to residents for free, and Purina supplied bags and collapsible bowls for every pet in attendance. Together, we were able to make a difference in the lives of pets and their families in the Metro East.
This year, we hosted a family pet portrait booth, where Sheila Ford with Absolute Beginner Photography provided her services for free.
All pictures taken at the clinic are available at the link below.
Absolute Beginner Photography | People and Their Pets, East St. Louis